Boca Catalina
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Butterfly Farm
Hooiberg
Gold Mine Ranch
Eagle Beach
Donkey Sanctuary
Arikok National Park
Flying Fishbone
Aruba Musts
No trip to Aruba would be complete without great snorkeling and the quiet and secluded beach of Boca Catalina offers some of the best in the Caribbean. Flanked by coral on both sides of the beach, the calm and shallow waters are home to a wide variety of colorful sea life.
The Butterfly Farm on the northwestern part of Aruba is a spectacular place to visit. Watch and snap photos of the incredible transformations of caterpillars into chrysalises and finally into butterflies. Admission to the Butterfly Farm includes a free pass for the duration of your vacation on Aruba so visit early and often!
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For hikers and more adventurous travelers, the 541 foot volcanic Hooiberg (or Haystack) Mountain, which can be seen from almost anywhere on the island is an absolute must do. After reaching the summit (a 561-step climb), you can even see Venezuela on a clear day. Also be sure to check out the cacti and other flora on the way up.
Anyone who enjoys horseback riding will have a blast at the Gold Mine Ranch, where you will be matched with a horse that suits your riding skill level. Leave the ranch on horseback and ride along the beach as you feel the ocean mist on your face. Although there are no longer any active gold mines here, you can still explore the ruins from mines over 100 years old.
Nearly 20% of Aruba’s land is comprised of the Arikok National Park, a desert ecosystem with a spectacular coastline. Although you will find plenty of cacti and other desert vegetation, during the rainy season the park is extremely lush. It contains about 20 miles of trails for hiking. If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, you can travel through the park all the way to the coast to find the secluded Eagle Beach and Palm Beach.
Another can’t-miss snorkeling adventure is to be found on Arashi Beach on the northern part of the island. The waters around the beach are quite calm and full of life with plenty of tropical fish and even squid! The soft, white sand beach is also fantastic to lay out on and catch some rays when taking a break from the water.
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Arashi Beach
For delicious, fresh seafood, you can hardly do better than the Flying Fishbone. Located right on the beach, arrive in time to watch the beautiful sunset and dine by the light of tiki torches and table lanterns. The fish is purchased daily from the local market and prepared in a fusion of European and Caribbean cuisines. The restaurant also makes a great steak.
Eagle Beach offers some truly unique and memorable experiences. Tread barefoot on the powder-soft white sand, take photos in front of the oddly twisted but beautiful fofoti tree, watch the sea-turtles during hatching season or go jet-skiing in the gentle surf and soak up the warm Caribbean sun.
Aruba’s Donkey Sanctuary in Santa Lucia has been around since 1997. Before then, many donkeys wandered the island freely, susceptible to hunger and thirst and other dangers. The Donkey Sanctuary now protects about 40 donkeys living on the sanctuary and another 15 living nearby. Visit and interact with these animals, which once was the primary form of transportation on the island.
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Druif Beach
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A mere half an hour’s drive from Oranjestad, Druif Beach is like a private paradise. The soft, white sand and crystal blue waves make it one of the most picturesque beaches on the island. The shallow water is perfect for swimming as well as snorkeling. If the exercise makes you hungry, restaurants are just a stone’s throw away.